FIVE local branches of McDonald's are helping to raise money for Jessie May Children's Hospice today.

Collection buckets are placed inside the Cockleberry, Brunel Shopping Centre, Greenbridge, Orbital Retail Park and Bridgemead restaurants as well as at the drive-throughs of each branch.

The stores decided to fundraise for the charity after a suggestion from the Mayor of Swindon Maureen Penny, who picked Jessie May to be one of the chosen charities for her mayoral year.

Franchisee Carl Room owns every McDonald's in Swindon and was keen to support such a good cause.

He said: "It all started when we had our open day earlier this year and the mayor talked to us about charity work we do with the Ronald McDonald.

"she asked us to also support a local charity and we were happy to get involved and do something on a busy bank holiday to help raise money for Jessie May.

"Whatever money we raise today, I will match."

Jessie May is a Children's Hospice at Home service which cares for local terminally ill children.

Its nurses provide vital respite care, emotional support, end of life care, and bereavement support for families in Wiltshire, Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.

At the end of the day, the money in the buckets at each branch will be counted up and the charity will present certificates to the branch

Debbie Clark from Jessie May was thrilled to have the backing of such a popular fast food chain.

She said: "We really appreciate it.

"It's all about raising awareness and getting the Jessie May name out there.

"The footfall these places get on a Bank Holiday Monday is huge so to have so many of them involved is lovely.

"Maureen Penny is a tremendous driving force, she's been so helpful for Jessie May, she's amazing."

For more information about the charity, visit www.jessiemay.org.uk